Research and studies indicate that the discoverer of South-West America is of Moroccan origin, named Mustafa Al-Azmouri. The explorer was held captive by the Portuguese and sold in the slave market in Spain. Mustafa Al-Azmouri, called by Spanish as Estevanico (c. 1500–1539), also known as Esteban de Dorantes and Estevanico the Moor, was the first person of African descent to explore North America—before Christopher Columbus.

Researchers describe Mustafa Al-Azmouri as having a talent for learning the language of indigenous people, which earned him respect from the Native Americans, as he would engag with them in dialogue. Born in Azemmour around 1503, Mustapha Zemmouri was kidnapped by the Portuguese when he was a teenager. Later sold as a slave to a Spanish commander named Andrés Dorantes de Carranza, Mustapha took part in the "Panfilo de Narvaez" expedition in 1527, whose objective was to conquer Florida.

The disastrous conquest later collapsed mainly because of a shipwreck and hostile contact with the natives, but the Moroccan and three other expedition members survived. Better known by his surname Estevanico and also known by names such as Estébano, Le Maure, l'Arabophone, or Stephen le Noir, Mustafa Zammouri mastered several Native American languages in just a few years. Historians have recorded that Mustafa was a phenomenal polyglot who acted as an interpreter for the conquistadors. He spoke six languages, and he was an interpreter, a healer, and a guide. He was also their initial scout to locate and travel through Arizona and New Mexico. He interacted with the Zuni Indians until he died in 1539.

Details of his fate are sketchy, but historians say that some claim he disappeared under strange circumstances while others allege he was killed by the Zuni. Certain is the fact that he perished in the ancient city of Hawikuh in the Zuni Indian reservation in today's New Mexico state.

Scientists are honouring Mustapha Al Azmouri in Morocco and USA

The character of Al Azemouri deserves greater recognition in his country of origin as well as across the Atlantic. Nearly five centuries after his forced departure, Mustapha is finally returning home—at least with his spirit that now hovers over his hometown of Azemmour, an ancient city of importance, today in the shadow of its neighbor El Jadida.

The memory of this character, straight out of a historical novel, is finally attracting the attention it deserves. Today, if the story of his improbable journey across the Atlantic still arouses some controversy, researchers unanimously agree to grant him the title of one of the most distinguished Moroccan explorers in history. A recognition celebrated in early August last year during an international conference organised by the Municipal Council of Azemmour in Morocco.

Mr. Abdeslem El Idrissi, Professor at City University of New York stated during the conference, "Estevanico’s 16th-century journey across the Americas was not only a testament to his resilience and courage, but also a symbol of the interconnectedness of cultures. He served as a guide, negotiator, diplomat, translator, healer, and cultural bridge between African, indigenous, and European communities. His contributions remind us of the enduring power of diversity and collaboration.”

Mr. El Idrissi stressed in another meeting last February, “This year, we focus our attention on the role of Africans in American society, both historically and in the present. From Estevanico’s early explorations to the many contributions of African Americans in every aspect of life—from art and science to politics and culture—we recognise the profound influence of African heritage in the fabric of the Americas.”

He continued, “The Atlantic Initiative proposed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an essential part of this discussion, as it aims to strengthen the links between Africa, Europe, and the Americas. “By promoting dialogue and cooperation across continents, we honour the legacy of figures like Estevanico, who embodied the spirit of communication and exchange long before the term globalisation was born,” he added. The same speaker continued, “The Atlantic Ocean has always been at the heart of the relationship between the United States and Morocco, since the time of Estevanico, and this Moroccan connection has shaped our shared commitment, history, and ambition.”

In this regard, the Moroccan Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Youssef Amrani, pointed out that Estevanico was born in Morocco but was enslaved after the Portuguese invasion before becoming a prominent explorer who traveled thousands of miles across America, speaking multiple languages, which facilitated his communication with Native American tribes.

He added that Estivanico was brought to the Americas as a slave, but he was a leader, an explorer, a diplomat—and I am not exaggerating—a survivor as well. His journey marks the beginning of Morocco’s connection to America, emphasising that “the Atlantic Ocean has always been at the heart of the relationship between the United States and Morocco since the time of Estevanico. This Moroccan connection has defined our shared commitment, our shared history, and our shared ambition.” The ambassador continued, “Estevanico’s journey across the Atlantic was just the beginning of a profound relationship between our two countries."

The same speaker said that “This relationship took an important turn when Morocco was the first country to recognise the independence of the United States of America in 1777. Many people do not know this history. I am sometimes surprised when some senators and congressmen are not aware of it.” In addition, the same speaker added, “Morocco gave America access to ports in Africa and beyond to Europe. The Treaty of Peace and Friendship, signed in 1786, remains to this day the longest continuing treaty of the United States.”

The Ambassador said, “The Atlantic Sea routes that brought Estevanico to these shores have also carried diplomats, traders, and ideas between our nations for centuries. His story reflects His Majesty’s vision for the Atlantic Initiative. It is the same story as Estevanico’s, a story of resilience, cultural exchange, and transformation.” He added, “His Majesty has launched this ambitious initiative that connects Africa to nations across the Atlantic. Just as Estevanico crossed into unknown lands, so we are creating a new path of cooperation across the ocean.”

Estevanico's memory is kept alive by the Indian tribes

While waiting for a breakthrough in historical research on Mustapha Al Zemmouri, the experts gathered in Azemmour and in New York discussed the legacy of this Moroccan unlike any other. They unanimously called for greater visibility of his exploits in the historical narrative of the kingdom, for the one who was compared by the researchers present to Ibn Battuta, the greatest explorer in the history of Morocco.

Across the Atlantic, Estevanico's memory is kept alive by the descendants of the Indian tribes he left his mark on five centuries ago. In addition, part of the African-American community, in search of a memory drowned in the sinister circuit of slavery, sees him as the first African who brilliantly distinguished himself during this dark period. Estevanico, a long-ignored figure, is gradually emerging from the shadows. The conference held in his honour is contributing to an essential recognition not only for his personal exploits, but also for establishing strong ties across the Atlantic.